Tartan Week to be extended to Russia

Historical links between Scotland and Russia include networks of Robert Burns clubs — and a liking for Irn Bru

SCOTLAND Week is to be extended to Russia to take advantage of Scotland's cultural and trade links with eastern Europe.

Alex Salmond, who has just completed a week of promotional events in North America, wants to take advantage of historical links between the two nations.

Many Russians can claim Scottish ancestry dating back to 16th-century immigrants and retain an interest in the country.

Robert Burns has a wide following in Russia -the former Soviet Union honoured the man they cherished as a working-class hero with a commemorative stamp. The Bard is so popular in Russia that fans there claim to have more Burns clubs than Scotland. All of his poetry has been translated into Russian and it is taught in the country's schools. Burns Night is often held at the Kremlin and relayed around the country on television.

Russia also has a thriving Caledonian Society, based in a Scottish cultural